Dallas Downriver Club

Moonlight Float for August, 2010

Date: August 21, 2010 Sponsor: DDRC
River: Rowlett Creek (Garland) Trip Leader: Bryan Jackson
Reach: To Lake Ray Hubbard and back Phone: 972-979-2519
Difficulty: Flatwater - no rapids * (See scale below) E-mail: hollowcreek@paddlinpals.com
Rendezvous: Park at northwest corner of Miller Road and Rowlett Creek, 5:30 PM

Trip Description:

We will gather at the roadside "park" at Miller Road and Rowlett Creek around 5:30 PM, then eat dinner before beginning our paddle down Rowlett Creek to Lake Ray Hubbard and back. Depending upon flow, we may paddle upriver first, and then come back. We will await sunset to begin paddling so that we have a true "Moonlight Float Trip", though we will probably do more paddling than floating - Rowlett Creek generally does not "flow" except in high water conditions. We usually park on the northwest side of the creek, but on occasion we have had to park on the northeast side - look for cars with boats.

Rowlett Creek is a flatwater stream that is suitable for almost anybody from beginners to advanced paddlers. Be sure to bring your dinner, beverages and anything you want to share with the group such as wine and cheese, red velvet cake or other items.

Gear Requirements:

Bring boats (just about any seaworthy craft will do for this trip), PFD's (lifejackets), paddles (a spare is recommended), a whistle or other signalling device, and a single white light visible from 360° is required.

Meals:

Bring your own meal, and maybe a little to share. Bring plenty of beverages, but remember - NO GLASS OR FOAM POLYSTYRENE STYROFOAM CONTAINERS!

Back-up Plans:

There is no current backup plan for this trip.

Driving Directions:

From Dallas:

Head EAST on Miller Road from IH 635 across Centerville Road to the parking area adjacent to Rowlett Creek, and then look for our cars with boats - probably on the northwest side of the creek, but possibly on the northeast side.



Rowlett Creek (Garland) map





* International Scale of River Difficulty

Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight, self-rescue is easy.

Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.

Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.

Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended.

Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to above average endangerment. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is mandatory but often difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential for survival.

Class VI: Extreme. One grade more difficult than Class V. These runs often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. This class does not represent drops thought to be unrunnable, but may include rapids which are only occasionally run.

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Last updated May 6, 2010